Runway improvements, retail development, a new conference center and other potential projects were presented to before the Monroe City Council in their meeting Tuesday night.

Monroe Airport Manager Ron Phillips opened the public hearing stating the updated master plan will take the airport to a whole new level. "This will hopefully create possibly $500 million in investments and growth out in the airport and industrial park area," he said.

Phillips was joined by Brad Kutchins, of Kutchins & Groh, an airport consulting firm, that has been managing and coordinating the study for the past year. Kutchins described the plan as a comprehensive look at 20-year development of the airport and surrounding area.

Kutchins gave board members an overview of the master plan, which contained several recommendations in the areas that comprise the airport.

The air side of the complex would see three projects. The creation of parallel taxiways, the extension of a secondary runway by about 1,300 feet, and development of the general aviation hangar.

The terminal area would preserve some land for expanded parking space.

The land side of the complex would contain non-aviation opportunities. Those potential projects include retail and commercial development, a intermodal center, and a convention center and hotel.

Kutchins told council members the next step of moving the plan forward would be to have a public comment period. Following that, the plan would be submitted for Federal Aviation Administration approval. Lastly, the final master plan would be published.

Agreements approved

The council approved two cooperative endeavor agreements in their meeting.

The city continues its support of NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana. The council approved $10,000 to go to NOVA for workforce training in developing skilled workers for high-demand, living-wage jobs.

The council also entered into an agreement with Ouachita Green to provide $20,000 per year over the next three years in beautification efforts and projects. Ouachita Green is comprised of Keep Monroe Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful, and Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful.

Greg Smith, Executive Director of Keep Monroe Beautiful, said the collaboration also intends to seek a part-time worker to lead in special projects and create a public awareness campaign for Ouachita Green.